ABOUT eight weekly markets in Yobe East Senatorial District have reportedly been shut down following renewed attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents across parts of the region.
Findings by Channels Television revealed that commercial activities were halted last week at Bumsa Market in Gulani Local Government Area, as well as Goniri, Gujba, and Katarko markets in Gujba Local Government Area.
Similarly, trading did not take place at Katarko Thursday Market and Kukareta Tuesday Market in Damaturu LGA, along with the popular Geidam Wednesday Market in Geidam LGA.
However, the Yobe State Government, in a statement issued through the Security Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd), said only three markets—Katarko, Kukareta, and Buni Yadi—were affected by the temporary closure.
“This is to inform the general public that Katarko, Kukareta and Buni Yadi weekly markets have been temporarily closed for operational reasons,” the statement read in part.
“This is to enable some proactive engagements and consolidate the successes recorded in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the state.
“This temporary measure became necessary to achieve some set targets to improve the security situation in the affected areas and the state in general.”
The Security Adviser appealed for public cooperation, assuring that efforts are ongoing to hasten the operation and minimise the discomfort caused by the market closures.
The closure comes days after an improvised explosive device (IED) was reportedly planted along the Katarko-Goniri road, killing four persons and injuring 21 others.
